An Amish Family Reunion Read online

  “The apple, please, but let’s forget about this for now.” Leah refilled everyone’s glass. “I might be upsetting both of you for nothing. Tell me, mamm, what’s the latest news from my siblings?”

  “Only that your brother arrives by the end of the month and will stay until the end of August. I can’t wait to lay my eyes on their little Mary for the first time. Oh, and Noah fell and broke his arm, but the cast should be off by the time they leave New York.”

  “And Emma? What of my sister? I miss her so much.”

  “She’ll be staying here the month of August with her boys. Those two might as well be Englischers for how much Deutsch they know. I’ve made up my mind to change that while they’re here.”

  Leah and Hannah exchanged a pointed glance. “You will have Matthew, Martha, Noah, Mary, Emma, Jamie, and little Sam, besides Dad and Henry, all here at the same time?” asked Leah.

  “Of course. I’ll make room. The cozier, the better.”

  Leah pondered this only a moment. “Then if it’s okay with Jonah, I’m coming home too, at least for a week. I want to visit with everyone and be part of the chaos.”

  Julia grinned. “That’s a good idea. Always room for one more.” Hannah rose to her feet. “What about me? Can I move in too? Maybe bring Phoebe and Ben along?”

  Leah choked on her tea, while Julia shook her head vigorously. “Absolutely not. I must draw the line somewhere. Next door is plenty close, considering your wicked sense of humor.”

  The two sisters locked gazes. “Fair enough,” said Hannah, “but I fully intend to make a pest of myself.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Julia, with a satisfied smile.

  Eli wiped his neck with his bandanna and then tied it around his head under his hat. Sweat had been burning his eyes all morning as he restrung barbed wire between fence posts.

  “What are you still doing up here?”

  The voice caused him to jump half a foot into the air. Shielding his eyes from the glare, he watched his sister pick her way toward him between cow pies. “What does it look like I’m doing? I found so many breaks in the fence that it’s a miracle we haven’t lost half our beef herd.”

  “That might be a blessing, but I doubt it’s a miracle.” Panting for breath, Rose finally reached where he stood. “Come take a break out of the sun. You missed lunch, so I brought you something to eat and drink.”

  Eli didn’t argue but followed his sister into the shade of a lone pine tree. Checking the ground carefully for unwanted surprises, they sat down in tall pasture grass. “Danki for coming all the way up here.”

  “You’re welcome.” She handed him a wet washrag for his hands. “How did it go yesterday at my friend’s house in Kidron?” Rose pulled her skirt down over her ankles.

  “Gut. Sarah let me type up my story on her computer. Then she printed out twenty-five copies in the blink of an eye. She also scanned Phoebe’s illustrations into the machine and showed me what they would look like using various colors and styles—amazing! I kept saying ‘I don’t believe this’ every five minutes. After I picked out what I liked best, she printed them in full color.”

  Rose laughed as she poured cold water from a thermos and handed him a sandwich. “I told you she would be happy to help. She loves working on that computer. Her family has to pry her away from the thing.”

  “I appreciated your setting this up for me, Rose. By the time I left her place, I had twenty-five glossy copies of Phoebe’s drawings. I don’t think the flowers, candy, and ham I took her were adequate payment.”

  “Don’t worry. She’ll take more when the next batch is smoked. Her family loves our honey-glazed hams.”

  Eli gobbled his sandwich with the same speed and table manners as one of their sows. “I didn’t get home until after midnight, but it was worth it. I have the packets ready to give Phoebe when I see her next week.”

  Rose unwrapped a second roast beef and cheddar for him. “You and your friend are going ahead with the idea of publishing a book?”

  “We’re going to try, but it’s as likely to happen as a snowstorm tomorrow.” He accepted the sandwich with a grateful nod. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until he began eating.

  “You like this girl, don’t you?” Rose dug her heels into the pine needles, releasing their pungent scent.

  He turned his gaze skyward, where turkey vultures soared on warm air currents. “I really do. She’s the best friend I’ve ever had. Sometimes when I’m with her I want to start singing. How’s that for ridiculous? You know how badly I sing.”

  Rose smiled with affection. “Then you should do more than just meet her at the library for work sessions. You should properly court her.”

  Eli stopped shoving food into his mouth and chewed. A moment later he asked, “What do you mean, exactly?”

  “Take her for an evening buggy ride or for a picnic by the lake. Take her to a singing or some other young people’s event. Make an effort to be sociable, Eli, and pay plenty of attention to her if you want to win her heart.”

  Because his legendary gift of gab had suddenly abandoned him, he studied the cracked leather of his boots as though they could unlock the secrets of life.

  After a silent minute, Rose asked softly, “You do want to win her heart, don’t you?”

  Eli flushed, unable to meet her eye, but he answered without hesitation. “Oh, jah, more than anything I’ve ever wanted.”

  “Then court her. Don’t get so caught up with this book business that you miss the forest for the trees.”

  He laughed and then drank half the thermos of water without stopping. After he came up for air, he said, “When did you get so knowledgeable about such subjects?” There wasn’t a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

  She cocked her head to one side. “At long last I have someone courting me too. I’m not telling the rest of the family yet. I met him a couple weeks ago. Dad sent me to Berlin to drop off broken harnesses to be repaired. I was a bit annoyed with the errand, but I figured I would treat myself later to a caramel latte from Java Joe’s.” She flashed him a wry look, her dimples deepening with amusement.

  “I take it you found a better reward than an expensive cup of coffee?”

  “I did. I met Andrew Weaver. He seemed to like me, and I certainly liked him. I’ve seen him around, of course, but never talked to him much. I thought he was standoffish, but instead he’s just shy like me.”

  “You are many things, my dear sister, but shy ain’t one of them.”

  “Regardless, he loves singing as much as I do. He’s picking me up for the next young people’s singing and…” Rose lowered her voice to a whisper. “He plans to take me to Canton one day to hear a famous choir when they come back to town. I’m not telling mamm and daed until the date gets closer.”

  “In a horse and buggy?” Eli asked, digging into her cooler for an apple.

  “No, you goose. He plans to hire a van and driver for the evening.”

  “Whew, he must be rich—a rare trait for an Amish fellow.” He took a hearty bite of fruit.

  Rose rolled her eyes. “Not rich at all. That’s just the problem—he’s the youngest of five sons. Their farm has been divided up into as many pieces as it can be, so he works at the leather shop. But Andrew wants to farm.” She met his gaze. “It’s the same story with Ruby and her beau. They’re getting pretty serious, but he can’t find any land within his price range. They won’t announce their engagement until his prospects for buying a farm improve. I can’t see them living with his folks in an apartment above the grocery store.”

  “I think I might have the perfect solution for both of you if you can be patient for a while.” Eli threw the apple core over his shoulder and rose to his feet. He offered his sister a hand and then added, “Thanks for lunch. It was nice of you to hike up here, but I must get back to work. Don’t worry, Rose. Your secrets are safe with me.”

  Once on her feet, she brushed leaves and twigs from her skirt. “Remember what I
told you about Phoebe. All work and no play will make you an even duller boy.”

  “I’ll remember, and if everything goes as planned, you and Ruby might get the solution you’re looking for.” With that cryptic comment Eli sauntered down the fence line, already so tired he didn’t notice his sister’s expression. Rose Riehl stood in the tall weeds looking absolutely blissful.

  EIGHTEEN

  Winesburg

  Not the mosquito feeding on her arm, nor the bead of perspiration running down her neck, nor even the footsteps from her approaching mother broke Phoebe Miller’s concentration on a hot July day. Only when Hannah tapped her on the shoulder did she glance up.

  “What are you doing?”

  Phoebe frowned and gestured to the surface of the picnic table where tablets, books, and writing supplies had been spread. “What does it look like, mamm? I’m working outdoors now that my chores are done. My room is too hot, and I thought you might need the kitchen table for baking or spreading out dress fabric.” She scratched absently at a new bug bite.

  Hannah slipped onto the opposite picnic bench. “I can see that, Miss Smarty-Pants, but did you forget what day it is? I thought Wednesdays were your days to meet Eli at the library and work on your book there.”

  “I will see Eli today. He sent a letter saying he’s picking me up at two and taking me to town. We’re going to Ruby’s Country Store and the ice-cream shop. Then he wants to buy me supper at that new restaurant that just opened.” Phoebe reached for her glass of water. “Is it all right if I eat dinner with him?”

  “Of course it is.” Hannah smiled. “This sounds a lot like a date rather than your usual work get-together.”

  “It does to me too. That’s why I plan to take another shower before I go. I’ve been sweating out here, even in the shade. I don’t want him to see me looking as wilted as I feel.” She tried to pull her damp dress away from her back.

  “A second shower—with the price of water these days? Oh, no, I don’t think I could allow that.” Hannah lifted her chin and folded her arms.

  “But, mamm, our water comes from a well and the rain gutters—” She halted and glared. “You’re teasing me again, jah? You would think I’d be used to it by now.”

  “I am.” Hannah winked as she looked through the scattered papers and books.

  “I should get up earlier in the morning and stay on my toes.” Phoebe held the cool glass to her forehead. “Do you need help with anything before I go?”

  “Not a thing. What are you writing there?” asked Hannah, losing interest in the other books.

  “The librarian gave me a sheet of blank mailing labels. I’m printing as small as possible the names and addresses of the publishers we’re targeting.”

  “Targeting? Listen to my little businesswoman.”

  “Trying to be one, anyway.” She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “That way they’ll be ready to go. Look at these.” Phoebe extracted a stack of crisp sheets from a manila folder with near reverence. “This is the letter Mrs. Carter helped me compose that we’ll send along with my illustrations and Eli’s story. She printed off the twenty-two copies I’ll need plus three extras. Check out the addresses—each one is different. The librarian printed out the same letter, but with a different publisher’s name and address on each.” Phoebe fanned out the papers for Hannah’s perusal.

  “Amazing what things a modern computer can do. But I hope you’re not getting your hopes up too high. I heard somewhere that it’s hard for an Englischer to publish a book, let alone a couple of Amish kids.”

  “We’re not kids. I’m eighteen next week, and Eli will be nineteen next month.” She sounded indignant.

  “Sorry, I forgot. And I just sewed you a new faceless doll for your birthday present.”

  Phoebe winked at her mother, recognizing the jest. “That’s good. We’ll have a gift for Matthew’s little girl when they arrive later this month. I’d better finish printing my labels and get ready. I promise not to waste too much of your expensive well water.”

  “Have fun, dear one. Just remember not to monopolize the conversation and don’t talk with your mouth full of ice cream.” Hannah rose gracefully and leaned over to kiss the top of Phoebe’s kapp.

  Phoebe both loved and hated these demonstrations of affection. Hannah was so openly and generously loving. What would she do if her mamm were taken from her? She felt more comfortable with the relationship she shared with dad—an occasional pat on the back or a feeble attempt at praise, such as “This doesn’t taste as bad as it did last time” or “If you keep this up, someday you’re bound to get the hang of it.” As she completed her final label, she watched her stepmother stroll back to the house. The memory of her birth mother had faded over the years. Phoebe could no longer see Constance’s face or hear her voice when she closed her eyes. But if Constance had lived, Phoebe knew she couldn’t love her more than she loved Hannah. And that kind of heart-seizing, stomach-clenching emotion made her feel nothing but vulnerable.

  Two hours later, freshly showered and in a clean dress, Phoebe was waiting on their front porch when Eli pulled his open buggy into the driveway. She’d tucked her letters and labels safely into her tote bag, along with the books she would return to the library. As soon as he turned around close to the house, she jumped down from the porch without bothering with the steps.

  “Hi, Eli,” she called. “I’m ready to go.”

  “Then climb up, sweet peach, and let’s get this traveling show on the road.” His face glowed with a burnished summer tan.

  “Did you ever see a traveling road show?” she asked, accepting his hand.

  He nodded. “I went to a circus in Wooster a few years ago. They had tigers and elephants and a man who walked the high wire. I loved it, except for the big deal they made out of the Lipizzaner Stallions. Who couldn’t ride a horse bareback around the ring?”

  “I can’t,” she said sitting as close to him as decorum allowed.

  “Well, I can’t either,” he admitted, “but I’d bet your cousins Henry and Matthew could…probably with their eyes closed.”

  “They’ll have that to fall back on if their careers as horse trainers don’t work out.”

  Eli laughed, flicking the hair from his eyes. “Take a gander at how I’ve advanced our career.” He handed her a stack of large white mailing envelopes from a cloth grocery sack. “I have the twenty-two copies of my story, plus copies of your illustrations for each scene of the book.” He chewed on his lower lip.

  Phoebe pulled a paper-clipped group of images from the first envelope and gasped. They were glossy with bright colors that popped, yet the story scenes had remained natural and true to life. She paged through them one at a time, stunned by the sight of her sketches turned into beautiful works of art. “These came out much nicer than I thought or dreamed they could. I love them, Eli. Danki.” Her single word of gratitude sounded woefully insufficient.

  He ducked his head, grinning. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like the chosen effects because there were plenty to pick from. I made a few extra packets so we can each save one for our old age. We’ll sit on the back porch and reminisce. ‘Remember our harebrained notion to become fancy book writers?’” Eli mimicked the scratchy, hoarse tone of an elderly man as the horse clip-clopped down the road. “Those were the days.”

  “It’s not a harebrained idea. Wait till you see what I have done during our two weeks apart.” She placed his packets back into the grocery sack before taking out her manila folder. “Twenty-two letters addressed to our likeliest publishers, along with mailing labels. All we need to do is sign our names in the space here.” She fanned the letters in front of his nose as a car passed them on the left.

  His mouth formed a perfect letter O in astonishment. “I can’t believe it. The letters are ready to go? Those are all publishers of children’s gift books?”

  “Every one of them produces the kind of story we’ve written.” Excitement coursed through her veins like wildfire. It would
take a garden hose to tamp down her enthusiasm. “I must admit that Mrs. Carter helped a lot with these. I had no idea you could print out letters with a different name and address on each one.”

  “I didn’t either, but that’s rather convenient. And what’s wrong with accepting help from willing folks? No one accomplishes anything in this world totally on his own. I’m proud of you, Phoebe. Good work.” Without warning, he leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  Startled, she instantly scooted away from him. However, in this size of buggy, she couldn’t get far. “They’re just letters, Eli, hardly demanding of a kiss.”

  “The kiss had nothing to do with letters or labels. I kissed you because I like you and you like me.” With his eyes focused on the road, he suddenly feigned alarm. “You do like me, don’t you? Or have you been faking it all this time just to get your artwork published? Do you go home after we’ve been together muttering: ‘That Eli Riehl. I’ll be glad when this book is done and I never have to see his homely face again.’”

  She burst into giggles, which alleviated her mental state. The kiss, brief as it was, had left her discombobulated. “Jah, I like you. And I haven’t once gone home muttering I’d be happy to be rid of you. Not yet, anyway.”

  He wiped his brow with his forearm. “Whew, that’s a relief. I’ve usually gotten on folks’ nerves by now, so this bodes well for happily ever after.”

  The fluttery sensation in her gut started up again. “What do you mean by that?”

  “Well, because we have plenty in common and have started a business venture together, and because the mere proximity of me doesn’t make your skin crawl…I’d say there’s a long-range possibility of us—you and me, in particular—forming a romantic partnership as well. So, may I consider the rest of the afternoon and evening a date—as in courting?” He peered at her, fluttering his eyelashes.

  “That was a lot of words, Eli Riehl, but I believe I understood the gist.” She twirled a lock of hair that had come loose from her bun.